Music Opportunities at FPC

The music ministry at First Presbyterian is off and running with a new staff and a renewed commitment to help enhance the worship experience for the congregation. Opportunities exist for all church members to participate in the music programs of the church.

These opportunities include :

•  Chancel Choir

  This choir sings for the morning worship service each Sunday and is open to all adults who have a desire to praise God through song. In addition to weekly performances, the Chancel Choir presents special programs at Christmas and Easter. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday nights at 7:00 in the choir rehearsal room on the third floor of the main building.
   

• Handbell Choir

  The handbell choir is open to anyone with music reading skills and an interest in learning to play handbells. This talented group makes appearances at morning worship throughout the year and rehearses on Sunday mornings at 9:00.
   

• Children’s Choir

  Having fun and singing are the keys for this group of young people from preschool through 6th grade. The choirs generally split into two groups: one for younger children (ages 3-6) and one for older children (ages 7-12). Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening during Friends and Family.
   

• Sunday Night Praise Band

  This acoustic group provides music for our Sunday evening contemporary service, InterMission. Individuals are also invited to share music at this service as they feel led. For more information about this ensemble, contact Joey Sherrard at the church office.
   

• Pre-service music

  Talented members of our congregation are invited to play piano before morning worship each Sunday. Interested persons may contact Jane Zitta for more information.
   

• Music Staff

  Dr. Craig Aarhus serves as the music director at FPC. He currently is the assistant band director at MSU but has also been involved in church music his entire life. Craig and his wife Amy have recently been blessed by the birth of their first child, Jack.

  Ellen Boles fills a new position as director for children's choirs. Ellen is an experienced school music educator who brings enthusiasm and a fresh approach to leading the children of the church in learning and performing music. She and her husband David are long time members of FPC.

  Sue Burkhalter ably serves as the organist/accompanist at FPC. She has an extensive background in church music, having served as a choir director at Central United Methodist in Columbus as well as a church music accompanist in the area for many years. Sue is a resident of Columbus, but makes frequent trips to Starkville to visit her new granddaughter, Ayden.